Arelee "Sonny" Richardson, Jr.

Arelee Richardson, Jr., 65, of Winchester, VA, passed into eternal life Friday July 27, 2012 at Winchester Medical Center in Winchester, VA.

Mr. Richardson was born October 20, 1946 in Winter Park, Florida the son of the late Arelee Richardson, Sr. and Alberta Walker Dozier. He graduated from Hungerford High School in 1964. At an early age joined Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Winter Park, Fl. He was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church joining the Men's Chorus, Men's Ministry and Unity Choir and volunteering in any capacity needed.

He was married to Sheila M. Ruffin of St. Petersburg, Fl.

Arelee enlisted in the Army in June 1964. He attended Basic Combat Training at Ft. Gordon, GA. He went on to advance individual training at Ft. Benning, GA, where he also completed Airborne School.

After all his initial training he went on to join the 25th Infantry Division in Hawaii. While assigned to the 25th ID he deployed to Vietnam, where he was wounded in action. During his recovery period he was reassigned to Ft Knox Kentucky with light duty to finish out his enlistment. With only six months left on his first enlistment Arelee decided to reenlist for another four years and later was reassigned to Ft. Carson Colorado.

After being promoted to Staff Sergeant with only a little more than a year left on that enlistment, he volunteered
to finish his time out in Vietnam. Filling in for another soldier on a mission, his helicopter was shot down, resulting in him being engulfed in flames and the only survivor of six on board. After spending nine months in the burn unit, he received the United States Army Service Metal, Good Conduct Medal, Air Medal, Vietnam Medal, Korean Service Medal, two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars and the Combat Infantry Badge.

Upon completion of his military career, Arelee Richardson embarked on a new journey. He attended Valencia Community College where he studied Early Childhood Development.

He leaves to cherish his memories his wife Sheila; two sons, Trenton Richardson (Antoinette) of Key West, Fl. And Eric Ruffin of Pittsburg, PA; two daughters, Shalena Richardson of Winchester, VA., and Jacqueline Thomas of Orlando, Fl.; five sisters, Peggy Jackson and Mable Quinn of Eatonville, Fl., Vivian Johnson of Springfield, MA, Constance Duckett of Philadelphia, PA., and Essie Johnson (Wellesley) of Winchester, VA.; eight grandchildren; two sisters-in-laws; two brother-in-laws; a father-in-law and a host of nieces, nephews and loving friends.

A sister, Glenn Bell preceded him in death.

His Love of grilling and special BBQ sauces will forever linger in our memories, as his humorous side, leaving us with aching sides from laughter, but most of all his passion to sing to the Glory of God.

A Celebration of Life Service will be 11:00 a.m.; Friday August 3, 2012 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Winchester, VA, with Pastor Gilbert M. Mack, Jr. officiating.

Family will receive friends 7:00 8:30 pm Thursday August 2, 2012 at the Church.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Interment will be at Mt. Hebron Cemetery in Winchester, VA with Military Honors afforded by United States Army.

Ministry of Comfort Entrusted to
Cartwright Funeral Home
Winchester, Virginia